The Highwayman Essay Plan

Question

In The Highwayman, the author Alfred Noyes creates a dark and sinister atmosphere. Discuss how the author creates this atmosphere with reference to similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, symbolism and foreshadowing.

Introduction – Paragraph 1, approximately 30 words

• Name of poem – The Highwayman

• Name of author – Alfred Noyes

• Very brief summary of what poem is about – remember to mention that it’s a ballad

• Refer to the question – Your reader needs to know what

your essay is going to be about.

Technique 1 – Metaphors – Paragraph 2 (approximately 50 words)This first paragraph talks about how a metaphor is used to

create a dark and sinister atmosphere.

Statement – (Begin with a topic sentence) “The technique of metaphors is used to create a dark and sinister

atmosphere in The Highwayman”Evidence – Find a quotation to support your

statement, an example of a metaphorAnalysis – Explain how your evidence supports your

statementLink – Explain how what you have said answers the question, in

this case, how does this create a dark and spooky atmosphere

When you have completed all of these steps you should have sealed your paragraph! SEAL

Analysing Metaphors

• When you are analysing metaphors you must look at two parts of the metaphor:

– the literal meaning (what it actually means)

– the metaphorical meaning (what it makes you think of)

Metaphor number 2Paragraph 3 (approximately 50 words)

• Choose a second metaphor and repeat the process. Do exactly the same thing. Remember SEAL!

Statement – The technique of similes is used to create a dark and sinister atmosphere in ‘The

Highwayman’

Evidence – “Dumb as a dog” “Hair like mouldy hay”

Analysis – Discuss what is being compared to what

Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister atmosphere

Choose only one simile

Paragraph 4 – Technique – Similes – approx. 50 words

Paragraph 5 & 6 – technique - Onomatopoeia

Statement - The technique of onomatopoeia is used to create a dark and sinister atmosphere in ‘The Highwayman’

Evidence – Give an example of a sound word which ;you think creates a dark and scary atmosphere

Analysis – Discuss what this word makes you think of

Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister atmosphere

Choose and discuss 2 examples of onomatopoeia

Paragraphs 7 & 8 – technique - Symbolism

• Statement – The technique of symbolism is used to create a dark and sinister atmosphere in ‘The

Highwayman’

• Evidence – Colours are used as symbols

• Analysis – Discuss what these ;colours represent and make you think of

• Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister atmosphere

• Choose two examples of symbolism

Paragraph 9 – Technique - Foreshadowing

• Statement – The technique of foreshadowing is used to create a dark and sinister atmosphere in ‘The Highwayman’

• Evidence – Pick a quote which gives us a clue to what is going to happen later in the poem.

• Analysis – Discuss what this clue is

• Link – and how this creates a dark and sinister atmosphere

• Choose only one example of foreshadowing

Paragraph 10 - Conclusion

• Refer to/answer the question

• Mention the techniques used by the author

• Your thoughts on the poem